Tiger Woods’s former caddie Joe LaCava says he has not contacted his former boss following his recent car crash and DUI arrest, insisting he is giving the 15-time major champion time to deal with the situation privately.
Speaking to The Athletic, LaCava, who now caddies for Patrick Cantlay, said he is “leaving him alone” and believes Woods must take responsibility for his recovery.
“He’s got to help himself, which is what I’m hoping he’ll do, but I have not made any contact with him,” LaCava told the publication.
“He’s got enough people probably texting him and hounding him, right? I don’t need to bother him.”
LaCava, who caddied for Woods when he won The Masters in 2019, stressed that his decision not to reach out comes from a place of care rather than frustration.
“I care greatly about him. I’m not p***ed at him,” he added. “He knows that. He knows that I care deeply about him. He’s got enough stuff going on, so I’m sure we’ll communicate once he’s back home. I’m assuming he doesn’t have access to his phone anyway.”
Woods, 50, was arrested on 27 March near his home in Florida following a crash in which his vehicle struck a trailer and overturned.
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According to an arrest affidavit, officers discovered hydrocodone pills in his possession.
Tiger Woods’ rolled Land Rover
Woods later said he would seek treatment to focus on his health, which meant he would be missing The Masters that takes place at Augusta this week.
Despite the latest setback, LaCava remains optimistic about Woods’ long-term future in the game, even raising the possibility of a return to The Masters in 2027.
“He’s got anything in him, and he’s proven that. But yeah, that’s the hope for me. He’s done everything, right? He’s going to be 50-plus, I get it. But I wouldn’t put anything past the guy. So I’d never write him off.”
The incident has also prompted reaction from golfing great Gary Player, who suggested a simple solution for Woods moving forward.
“Do I blame him for taking medicine? Hell no,” Player said. “He has sleep deprivation. Do I blame him for taking something to help him sleep? No. But I don’t think he should drive a car. When you’re taking that medicine, it’s dangerous when you’re driving a car. Same as it’s dangerous when you look at your cell phone in the car.”
Player, speaking during the Masters week alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, added:
“I mean my reflexes I think are as good as when I was 20, but I don’t drive anymore. I get a chauffeur and I think that’s the answer to it. But my heart goes out to him. There’s nothing worse than living in pain every day of your life. You can’t think of anything worse. I just hope he can get it all sorted out because he’s such an asset to golf and has done so much for the game.”
Woods pleaded not guilty to DUI with property damage after blowing 0.00 on breath tests. However, he was arrested after refusing to submit a urine test, which under Florida law can result in penalties including licence suspension and possible jail time.
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